In 2022, 6,003 people emigrated from Russia to Finland, which is a record figure since the collapse of the USSR. Almost 94% of people who moved from Russia had Russian citizenship. It is reported by DW with reference to the data of Statistics Finland.
According to the department’s senior statistician, Johan Nordberg, the main wave of immigration from Russia to Finland last year occurred between May and December, and it is directly related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In 1990, 1,958 people immigrated to Finland from the USSR, and after the collapse of the USSR in 1991, their number reached 5,515 people. In subsequent years, the number of emigrants decreased, in 2021 there were less than 3,100 people.
In 2022, Finland registered a record number of immigrants – 49,998 people. On average, from 29,000 to 36,000 people a year immigrated to the country. “These figures do not include Ukrainians under temporary protection in Finland and people seeking asylum,” the department said.
After the announcement of “partial” mobilization from Russia, 43,603 Russians entered Finland from September 21 to 26, and 22,666 left. European countries. The restrictions came into effect on September 30, 2022 for an indefinite period.
Against this background, the Finnish Border Guard proposed to fence off part of the border with Russia in order to prevent illegal entry into the country. The department has already begun designing a partial fence.
“I can’t go back to Russia.” Stories of Russian citizens who apply for asylum in Finland because of the war in Ukraine:
